Things To Do in the Atlantic Beach Area

Looking for a relaxing beach vacation to soak in the sun, kick back and put your feet up? Atlantic Beach, North Carolina is calling your name with its pristine shores & crystal clear waters. A true gem of the Atlantic Ocean coastline, the sandy shores along

Atlantic Beach offer a perfect escape for an anniversary, honeymoon, family vacation, friends trip or a solo getaway! While visiting the area, this helpful guide will help you plan your Atlantic Beach adventure!

Grab your cooler and some beach snacks and let’s dive in (literally)!

Enjoy Some Fun in the Sun

Visit Atlantic Beach 

Atlantic Beach is a small oceanside town on the Crystal Coast that welcomes sandy feet and beach hair. Renowned for some of the best beaches along the North Carolina coastline, this area boasts wide, sandy stretches of beach that are ideal for lounging, swimming, and beach combing.

When you arrive, the beauty of this area and the warm salt air will have you putting your phone on “do not disturb”.

The gentle waves make the area beaches a perfect getaway for families with kids, especially on the sound side beaches like those of Cape Lookout National Seashore and Shackleford Banks. Whether you’re looking to relax or play in the waves, you can do it all here! 

Capt Stacy's Fishing Center

Address: 416 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach, NC

We recommend: Capt Stacy’s Fishing

Calling all anglers! Leave your worries on the shoreline and set out for a full or half day of exciting deep-sea fishing! Test your luck at reeling in triggerfish, snapper, blue marlin, tuna, and more!

Choosing a private fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a dose of vitamin D while skimming over the turquoise waters with friends and family. You won’t have to worry about driving the boat and you’ll get some expert tips.

Visit Fort Macon State Park

Distance from Atlantic Beach: 5 minutes

Address: 2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC

This well-preserved Civil War-era fort provides guided tours, interactive exhibits, and reenactments that offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. A short drive from Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon State Park is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The park also features beautiful natural areas with hiking trails, picnic spots, and scenic panoramas of the coast.

Worth the Drive (Things to do in the surrounding area)

Atlantic Beach truly is a captivating place to visit, but there is also a lot to do in the surrounding area as well! Here are a few of the most noteworthy attractions that the area offers.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Distance from Atlantic Beach: 1 hr and 58 minutes

Address: Cape Lookout Rd, Harkers Island, NC

Although it does take some effort to get here, this entire area is well worth a visit. Cape Lookout National Seashore encompasses a 56-mile-long section of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. You will need to take a ferry to reach the seashore, but we promise the trip is worth it! 

Once you reach the seashore, you can choose to relax on the oceanside of the island where there is great shelling and fun waves to play in. Or, choose the sound side of the island where the water is calm, clear, and the perfect place for families to enjoy the day together! Cape Lookout lighthouse is also a sight to behold. It is always fun to take the trek to the top and see the beauty of the entire area from above!

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Distance from Atlantic Beach: 12 minutes

Address: 1 Roosevelt Blvd, Pine Knoll Shores, NC

Perfect for a family-friendly day out, the North Carolina Aquarium is a hit with both tourists and locals. The interactive exhibits, touch tanks, educational programs, and living shipwreck display make it educational and entertaining for all ages.

Just a short drive from Atlantic Beach, the aquarium showcases a variety of marine life, from sharks and sea turtles to jellyfish and local fish species.

One of these being the sheepshead fish, known for having square teeth that resemble human teeth. You’ll get to see all kinds of beautiful and intriguing marine life as you explore the North Carolina Aquarium.

Ocean Activities

Scuba Diving

We recommend: Discovery Diving Co and Olympus Dive Center in Morehead City.

Hauntingly named the Graveyard of the Atlantic, the ship wreckage beneath the Atlantic Ocean’s surface is intriguing (and a bit eerie) to explore. There are a few nearby scuba diving companies in the area you can visit, but our recommendations offer a variety of packages and diving options like half/full day, charters, classes, retail, and more.

Water Sports

We recommend: AB Water Sports

Atlantic Beach is an absolute haven for water sports enthusiasts and a great place to explore several water activity options. Take your pick of adventure and enjoy an afternoon on the water! 

For a unique experience, try stand-up paddling boarding at sunrise or take a relaxing ride in a kayak through the salt marshes. Another great excursion is to rent a jet-ski for the day to explore the entire sound and make pitstops at islands and sandbars along the way for a quick swim or to look for sand dollars. 

Experience a Sunset Cruise

We recommend: Lookout Cruises

Address: Beaufort, NC

To capture the stunning coastal scenery from a different perspective, book a sunset cruise. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploration and adventure. Plus, its one of the best places to spy some playful dolphins, enjoy a drink and take in the views!